Search results

1 – 10 of over 2000
Article
Publication date: 1 November 2002

Lloyd J. Taylor

Compares alternative buffer control systems used in a flow process, assembly line manufacturing system. Follows a literature analysis with the use of computer simulation to assess…

1222

Abstract

Compares alternative buffer control systems used in a flow process, assembly line manufacturing system. Follows a literature analysis with the use of computer simulation to assess and measure the effects of each system on overall production performance, and individual workstation utilization.

Details

Work Study, vol. 51 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0043-8022

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 29 August 2008

Lloyd J. Taylor and Ilene Poyner

This study aims to investigate the problem of trained employee retention in a highly competitive labor market for a manufacturing facility in the oilfields of West Texas.

2327

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the problem of trained employee retention in a highly competitive labor market for a manufacturing facility in the oilfields of West Texas.

Design/methodology/approach

This article examines how one manufacturing facility should be able to retain their trained employees by using the logic of Eliyahu M. Goldratt's thinking process.

Findings

The thinking process underscores the importance of a systematic process of problem‐solving by pinpointing the problem, determining a workable solution, and implementing the solution. By using this process, an organization would begin by looking for the underlying cause of the problem which produces undesirable effects (UDE) and develop a current reality tree highlighting these UDEs. Then the organization would develop a future reality tree which produces the desired effects.

Research limitations/implications

The list of publications was not exhaustive and were all US publications, which might have limited its usefulness outside the USA.

Practical implications

This paper is a useful source of ideas for training and retention of employees in a competitive labor market.

Details

Journal of European Industrial Training, vol. 32 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0309-0590

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 December 1998

Lloyd J. Taylor

This research studies the financial aspects of capital budgeting models in both the local and global perspectives. Since the development of the simple payback method, capital…

3945

Abstract

This research studies the financial aspects of capital budgeting models in both the local and global perspectives. Since the development of the simple payback method, capital budgeting models have been employed as relative local measures of project evaluation. Because these tools analyze at a static local level, they are limited. By adopting simulation, the effects of capital expenditures and crucial interaction of resources in a dynamic global environment can be studied. Simulation software has improved greatly over the past few years and is becoming more and more common in the manufacturing and consulting environments. Hardware and software technology can provide a real opportunity for those making decisions regarding capital expenditures and can provide opportunity in the decision‐making process of the “what‐if?” scenario. Even though the traditional local optimization measures of performance may show a major advantage in making a purchase, the results of the global measures of performance may show it would bring about a significant financial misfortune to do so. One proven way to determine if the capital expenditure will improve the global measures of performance of net profit, return on investment and cash flow is to model the scenario through the use of computer simulation.

Details

Business Process Management Journal, vol. 4 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-7154

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 September 2006

Lloyd J. Taylor, Becki Murphy and William Price

This study seeks to investigate the nature and extent of employee retention and turnover for metropolitan police and fire departments.

8636

Abstract

Purpose

This study seeks to investigate the nature and extent of employee retention and turnover for metropolitan police and fire departments.

Design/methodology/approach

In order to maximize the system production, the weakest link must be improved and all other links in the processes regulated to the speed of the weakest link. The weakest link is the constraint. In the case of public safety employee retention, there are several reasons given why employment is terminated. In order to increase the number of public safety personnel that are retained, all steps must be examined together to determine the constraint; the core problem for termination. Since the constraint is not always obvious, Goldratt developed the thinking process. This is a series of steps used to locate the constraint, determine the solution, and how to implement the solution. These steps are actually referred to as the thinking process.

Findings

Findings suggest that a proper cause and effect process will produce a desired path to change. It was determined how one type of organization could contain employee turnover by using the logic of Goldratt's thinking process.

Research limitations/implications

This procedure is practical and can be applied to any problem anywhere at any time. This allows further research into other settings.

Practical implications

This process underscores the importance for a systematic process of problem‐solving by pin‐pointing the problem, determining a workable solution, and implementing the solution. The key is to begin by looking for the underlying causes of the problem which produces an undesirable effect. Using this structured cause and effect process, a future reality tree is then developed with the desired effect. This research reveals how the Goldratt thinking process can be applied to business problems with multiple variables.

Originality/value

This research is based on an actual situation in which employee retention was a problem for five years. By improving employee retention, additional human resource expenses are significantly reduced.

Details

Business Process Management Journal, vol. 12 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-7154

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 October 1999

Lloyd J. Taylor

This simulation study explores and compares the potential benefits of three work‐in‐process (WIP) inventory drive systems and their associated inventory buffer characteristics…

2353

Abstract

This simulation study explores and compares the potential benefits of three work‐in‐process (WIP) inventory drive systems and their associated inventory buffer characteristics. The three inventory drives are a push, a pull and a hybrid push/pull system. While these systems have some aspects in common, their buffer management systems vary. The statistical analysis associated with the study was based on data gathered from three computer simulated flow‐shop assembly line environments. Hypotheses concerning the financial performance measurements were established. The independent variables were controlled and manipulated for each of the models. From the statistical analysis, a conclusion was drawn as to which system would afford the operation optimum results. While inventory has traditionally been considered and is currently being shown as an asset from an accounting point of view, it is obvious from the findings of this study, that excess WIP inventory, above the minimal requirements for production, will have a negative effect on the financial measurements evaluated in this study.

Details

Integrated Manufacturing Systems, vol. 10 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0957-6061

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 1 January 2005

William H. Schlesinger

A variety of gases, including water vapor (H2O), carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O), add to the radiative forcing of Earth's atmosphere, meaning that…

Abstract

A variety of gases, including water vapor (H2O), carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O), add to the radiative forcing of Earth's atmosphere, meaning that they absorb certain wavelengths of infrared radiation (heat) that is leaving the Earth and thus raise the temperature of its atmosphere. Since glass has the same effect on the loss of heat from a greenhouse, these gases are known as “greenhouse” gases. It is fortunate that these gases are found in the atmosphere; without its natural greenhouse effect, Earth's temperature would be below the freezing point, and all waters on its surface would be ice. However, for the past 100 years or so, the concentrations of CO2, CH4, and N2O in the atmosphere have been rising as a result of human activities. An increase in the radiative forcing of Earth's atmosphere is destined to cause global warming, superimposed on the natural climate cycles that have characterized Earth's history.

Details

Perspectives on Climate Change: Science, Economics, Politics, Ethics
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-0-76231-271-9

Article
Publication date: 1 March 2000

Duncan Macdougall and Nikica Petrinic

A local optimisation method for obtaining material parameters in finite element simulations has been developed. The method is based on the minimisation of an error function which…

Abstract

A local optimisation method for obtaining material parameters in finite element simulations has been developed. The method is based on the minimisation of an error function which reflects the accuracy of a numerical prediction with respect to the results of simple specimen tests. The experimental data were obtained from high strain rate tensile tests on the alloy 90 per cent titanium – 6 per cent aluminium – 4 per cent vanadium (Ti6Al4V) using the tensile split‐Hopkinson pressure bar. The behaviour of the tensile specimen was monitored during the test using high‐speed photography and transient recorders. Finite element simulations were performed using ABAQUS/Explicit employing the Zerilli‐Armstrong material model for bcc metals).

Details

Engineering Computations, vol. 17 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-4401

Keywords

Abstract

Details

Looking for Information
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-80382-424-6

Article
Publication date: 20 April 2015

Siril Alm and Svein Ottar Olsen

This paper aims to enhance the understanding of the influence of increased food availability and social learning in kindergartens on children’s attitudes toward food. In addition…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to enhance the understanding of the influence of increased food availability and social learning in kindergartens on children’s attitudes toward food. In addition, it discusses questions regarding children and their parent’s attitudes and seafood consumption at home.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses a qualitative approach that includes semi-structured interviews with 24 Norwegian children aged four to six years, interviewed in pairs. They represented two public kindergartens. One group attended a seafood intervention and the other did not. The intervention comprised seafood served as lunch twice per week, in addition to various educational activities designed to increase children’s knowledge of seafood.

Findings

Children who attended the seafood intervention used more cognitive associations by describing seafood as being healthy. They also expressed more positive attitudes towards seafood compared with the other children. The findings indicate a stronger socialization effect from parents than preschool teachers.

Research limitations/implications

The children proved to have limited cognitive and communicative abilities for participation in semi-structured interviews. Future studies should consider older samples and/or methods that are more adapted to their cognitive abilities. Results cannot be generalized due to the relative small sample size and the fact that the study was performed in one culture.

Social implications

To promote a healthier diet, children’s care givers and school authorities should make seafood more available. Preschool teachers should be encouraged to eat meals with the children to function as positive role models.

Originality/value

The study addresses a currently under-researched issue concerning the influence of kindergartens on children’s food attitudes toward a specific food category.

Details

Young Consumers, vol. 16 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1747-3616

Keywords

Content available
Book part
Publication date: 30 June 2023

Lisa M. Given, Donald O. Case and Rebekah Willson

Abstract

Details

Looking for Information
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-80382-424-6

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